3.1.1 Debates - sociological theory & methodology

Question 1

What are sociological theories concerned with?

Answer 1

• Making generalisations about social life.
• Attempt to explain patterns we see in the world.
• Theories should be capable of being tested allowing other sociologists to discover its weaknesses & build on its strengths.

Question 2

What can modern sociological theory be traced back to?

Answer 2

• The 18th century Enlightenment project (EP).

Question 3

What is the Enlightenment project (EP)?

Answer 3

• Extremely influential philosophical project which originated in Europe & spread to America.
• Also known as the age of reason.
• Illuminated human intellect & culture.
• Emphasised science & reason over faith & superstition.

Question 4

What are the 2 key features of the Enlightenment project?

Answer 4

• The power of human reason which enables an understanding on the world by providing knowledge & correct theories about how it works.
• Human progress allowing reason & science to gain knowledge about the natural world while social sciences would solve problems like crime.

Question 5

How did the Enlightenment period influence sociology

Answer 5

• The goal of changing the world by human reason.
• Sociology began rapidly developing in the 19th century in modern industrial societies of Europe.
• Sociologists sought to develop theories to improve society which are called modernist theories.

Question 6

How did science become influential to sociology as a result of the Enlightenment period?

Answer 6

• Science was central to the EP.
• 19th century modernist sociologists copied its success by producing a science of sociology.